Devine Scripture

Psalms 115:3

What does Psalms 115:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 115:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 115:3 means

This verse succinctly declares God's absolute sovereignty and transcendence. The phrase "our God is in the heavens" emphasizes His exalted position, setting Him apart from any earthly or man-made deities. This celestial dwelling signifies His supreme authority and unlimited power, as He is not confined by human limitations or locations. The assertion "He does whatever He pleases" underscores His divine will and freedom; nothing can thwart His purposes or actions. This is not arbitrary power, but a holy and righteous will that always acts in accordance with His perfect nature. The contrast with idols, which are limited and powerless, is a strong undercurrent, highlighting the unique and unparalleled nature of the true God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he pleased.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he pleased.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But our God is in heaven: he has done whatever was pleasing to him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And our God <FI>is<Fi> in the heavens, All that He hath pleased He hath done.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things that he hath rendered to me?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But ourGod is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he pleased.

Context

Psalm 115 begins with a plea for God to act for His own glory, contrasting Him with national idols. Verses 1-2 express Israel's desire for God to demonstrate His power so that other nations will not question His existence. This verse (v. 3) immediately follows these appeals, establishing the theological bedrock for why Israel prays this way. It explains that God can indeed act because He is sovereign and unconstrained, unlike the impotent idols mentioned later in verses 4-8. The subsequent verses develop this contrast, describing the futility and powerlessness of idols constructed by human hands, thereby magnifying the true God's capabilities highlighted omnipotence here in verse 3. Essentially, the psalm moves from an appeal to a declaration of God's nature, then to a stark comparison to false gods.

v.2Wherefore should the nations say, Where is now their God?

v.3This passage

v.4Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 6:9

    After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

  • Psalms 103:19

    Jehovah hath established his throne in the heavens; And his kingdom ruleth over all.

  • Psalms 68:4

    Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: Cast up a highway for him that rideth through the deserts; His name is Jehovah; and exult ye before him.

  • Isaiah 46:10

    declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;

  • Psalms 123:1

    Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that sittest in the heavens.

  • Psalms 135:6

    Whatsoever Jehovah pleased, that hath he done, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;

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